Novak Djokovic believes Saudi Arabia’s enthusiasm for tennis can grow the sport locally and globally. Speaking at the Six Kings Slam event in Riyadh, the 24-time Grand Slam champion expressed optimism about the tournament’s potential to inspire young talent.
“We aim to attract attention from younger audiences, encouraging kids to pick up a racket and start playing,” Djokovic said. The event, part of the Riyadh Season, runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 19.
The Serbian will face Jannik Sinner in the exhibition tournament’s semifinal, while world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will meet Rafael Nadal in an all-Spanish semi.
Vision 2030: Sports as a Key Player
The Six Kings Slam aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to become a major player in global sports. The Kingdom has already hosted high-profile events in football, Formula 1, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Djokovic highlighted the importance of live events, especially in regions where tennis is emerging.
“This event represents an opportunity to build a tennis culture in the Middle East,” Djokovic said. The tournament features stars like Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Rafael Nadal.
Generational Shift and the Future of Tennis
With Nadal nearing the end of his career and Roger Federer retired, tennis is experiencing a generational shift. Djokovic, one of the sport’s enduring stars, sees this as a pivotal moment for emerging talents.
“The younger players, like Alcaraz and Sinner, are already forming exciting rivalries,” he noted. Despite the rise of these young talents, Djokovic remains competitive. “I’m still fighting to be in the mix,” he added, acknowledging the strong competition from Medvedev, Rune, and others.
Impact Beyond the Court
Djokovic emphasized the importance of dynamic personalities in keeping fans engaged. “The sport needs characters off the court, too,” he said. The Six Kings Slam, offering a record-breaking $6 million prize, is Saudi Arabia’s bold move to cement its place in global tennis.
For Djokovic, the ultimate goal is long-term growth. “Tennis is bigger than any one player or generation. It’s about inspiring the next,” he stated. Reflecting on his experiences in Saudi Arabia, he added: “The Kingdom is in love with tennis. This love affair shows great promise for the future.”